Blog/Reviews

Hail Metal Warriors! It’s been a while since I’ve written a review here but THE KIBITZER is back once again to bring you a little something new and a little something different. If you haven’t heard of them already then allow me to introduce to you Operatika and their CD, “The Calling”.

I’m a big fan of the symphonic/progressive Metal genre and I’m really glad that I discovered these guys and gals! The lineup for this 2009 opus is Bill Visser – Guitars, Slava Popova – Vocals, Anna Dok – Keyboards Yuri Liakhovitch – Drums and Michael LePond (Symphony X) – Bass. Let me tell you, this CD really surprised me. Well, ok, I’m a little late but hey, you’re never too late to discover a good thing! It was an extemporaneous feeling as well as thrilling to know that there is somebody out there exploring a different approach to being heavy in a Heavy Metal band. Their musicianship is spot on with execution and accuracy. The songs speak for themselves. They’re definitely not a cookie monster band or a full blown out orchestra, however, Operatika pitched in so many different elements to the music that they are their own band.

No bones about it, songs like “Tears Of The Sun” and “Dark Horizon” not only takes you to a different place but punch you right in the face! Other tracks to check out are “No. 3/23 In A Minor”, “The Storm” and “Gladiator”. The combination of Yuri’s kick drumming and Bill’s guitar solos just brings a smile to my face and Slava’s vocals are mesmerizing and enigmatic too. Topping it all off with Anna’s elegant keyboard skills which are just dazzling but you also have legendary bassist Michael LePond from Symphony X laying down some serious bass lines!

An amazing roster for this CD and just right for an impressive and robust performance. Operatika is a Swiss Army Knife with a whole lot of tools in their arsenal and they are far from being a one dimensional band or a one trick pony. I give “The Calling” 4.5 out of 5 stars. This is THE KIBTIZER signing off and until next time……. RAGE!!!